Vimeo video "Ten Thousand Reasons (Bless the Lord)"
Written and performed by Matt Redman
Self-explanatory :)
Vimeo video "Ten Thousand Reasons (Bless the Lord)" Written and performed by Matt Redman
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I very much wish I could tell you the name of the performer(s) of this hauntingly beautiful a cappella rendition of "Nearer, My God, to Thee." If I find out, I'll let you know. In the meantime, here it is, lifted up to my Saviour in deepest gratitude... for loving me so much that He gave everything -- everything -- that I might know Him.
(Apologies: there may be a short and possibly annoying ad just before the video.) YouTube video: "Nearer, My God, to Thee" written by Sarah Flower Adams (1805-1848) tune ("Bethany") composed by Lowell Mason (1792-1872) ________________________ Edited Feb. 9 to add the full lyrics* (including a wonderful final verse I've never heard before, written by Edward Bickersteth Jr. [1825-1906]): Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Refrain: Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee. There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n; All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest; Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee. *Source: Timeless Truths Free Online Library, "Nearer, My God, to Thee" When I was a little kid, my father gave me a full-sized Hohner harmonica just like his own, and I learned to play by ear. "Dixie," "Oh Susanna," and "God Save the Queen" (a.k.a. "My Country, 'Tis of Thee") was almost my whole repertoire. I sure wish I had the video. :)
I don't know if harmonicas speak to you, but I thought I'd share this short YouTube video by a brother who has a little evangelistic music ministry online, playing hymns on the harmonica. He goes by the name "Gospel Harmonica." I hope this blesses you. YouTube video "Rock of Ages" performed by "Gospel Harmonica" written by Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) More on the songwriter and the song here It's time for a replay of this song. A very beautiful reminder.
(There may be a short ad before the video -- sorry.) * YouTube video "Be Still My Soul" Words by Katharine von Schlegel (1697-c.1768) Music ("Finlandia") by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) Performed here by the wonderful UK boys' choir Libera Story behind the hymn here I to the hills will lift mine eyes
from whence doth come mine aid. My safety cometh from the Lord, who heav'n and earth hath made. Thy foot He'll not let slide, nor will He slumber that thee keeps. Behold, He that keeps Israel, He slumbers not, nor sleeps. The Lord thee keeps, the Lord thy shade on thy right hand doth stay: The moon by night thee shall not smite, nor yet the sun by day. The Lord shall keep thy soul; He shall preserve thee from all ill Henceforth thy going out and in God keep for ever will. Psalm 121, from the Scottish Psalter Sung here by an untrained, unnamed Scottish congregation (guests at the wedding of Jonathan and Mairi Keddie, including one very wee one) _____________________________________ Audio file courtesy of Psalm Singing Online Lyrics found on page 10 of Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God by David McCasland (This hymn was sung at Oswald Chambers' funeral in Cairo on November 16, 1917.) I sang this for the first time several months ago at church and fell in love with it, both with the lyrics and with the wonderful Early American tune composed by Lewis Edson. Most versions of this song use another tune, so every once in a while I check the Internet for a performance of it with Edson's tune. I haven't found one yet, but I did find this audio file of Edson's version from hymnal.net. I hope you enjoy it.
The words are powerful, extremely welcome to me during these puzzling, uncertain days the world has set foot in. I had to think a while about the wording "More happy, but not more secure..." It didn't make sense at first. But of course! We are just as secure now, in Christ, as we will be when we are with Him in heaven. Hymnal.net audio file "A Debtor to Mercy Alone" lyrics by Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) (who also wrote "Rock of Ages") music by Lewis Edson (1748-1820) Lyrics * A debtor to mercy alone, Of covenant mercy I sing, Nor fear, with God’s righteousness on, My person and off’rings to bring. The terrors of law and of God With me can have nothing to do; My Savior’s obedience and blood Hide all my transgressions from view. The work which His goodness began, The arm of His strength will complete; His promise is Yea and Amen, And never was forfeited yet. Things future, nor things that are now, Not all things below or above, Can make Him His purpose forego, Or sever my soul from His love. My name from the palms of His hands Eternity will not erase; Imprest on His heart, it remains In marks of indelible grace. Yes! I to the end shall endure, As sure as the earnest is giv’n; More happy, but not more secure, When all earthly ties have been riv’n. * source Two bluegrass gospel classics: the first is by Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. The second one you may recognize. It's performed by the Stanley Brothers, Carter and (once again) Ralph.
~~~~~~~~~~~ Surely there will be bluegrass in heaven. ;) YouTube videos: (Sorry... as usual, ads appear at the beginning.) "Two Coats" written by Ralph Stanley performed by Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys * "Amazing Grace" written by John Newton (1725-1807) ** performed by The Stanley Brothers * More Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys gospel, here ** A candid account of the story of "Amazing Grace" and its author, here Really, really needing to direct my focus back to my One and Only after a very strange and emotional week, I went looking tonight for a video of "There's Power in the Blood."
I found three: The first is pure country, sung by Alan Jackson. The second one is in Spanish, sung by someone I sure do like but whose name I don't know. Version three is just for fun. The "eight feet tall" comment at the end seems to fit right in with a celebration of the mighty Lamb of God. I hope you enjoy these. All praise to Jesus! (Please excuse any ads that may pop up before the videos.) "There's Power in the Blood" words and music by Lewis E. Jones, 1899 YouTube videos: Version 1, sung by Alan Jackson Version 2, in Spanish Version 3, by someone named Joshua Yasaswi (whose family sure takes a LOT of videos!) _____________________________________________________ Lyrics* Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Would you o’er evil a victory win? There’s wonderful power in the blood. Refrain: There is power, power, wonder-working power In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, wonder-working power In the precious blood of the Lamb. Would you be free from your passion and pride? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide; There’s wonderful power in the blood. (Refrain) Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Sin stains are lost in its life-giving flow. There’s wonderful power in the blood. (Refrain) Would you do service for Jesus your King? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Would you live daily His praises to sing? There’s wonderful power in the blood. (Refrain) Spanish lyrics/letras en español: ¿Quieres ser salvo de toda maldad? Tan solo hay poder en mi Jesús; ¿Quieres vivir y gozar santidad? Tan solo hay poder en Jesús. (Do you want to be safe from all evil? There is power in my Jesus alone; Do you want to live and enjoy holiness? There is power in Jesus alone.) Coro (chorus): Hay poder, poder, sin igual poder, En Jesús, quien murió; Hay poder, poder, sin igual poder, En la sangre que él vertió. (There is power, power, unequalled power In Jesus, who died; There is power, power, unequalled power In the blood that He shed.) ¿Quieres ser libre de orgullo y pasión? Tan solo hay poder en mi Jesús; ¿Quieres vencer toda cruel tentación? Tan solo hay poder en Jesús. (Do you want to be free from pride and passion? There is power in my Jesus alone; Do you want to overcome all cruel temptation? There is power in Jesus alone.) (Coro) ¿Quieres servir a tu Rey y Señor? Tan solo hay poder en mi Jesús; Ven, y ser salvo podrás en su amor, Tan sólo hay poder en Jesús. (Do you want to serve your King and Lord? There is power in my Jesus alone. Come, and you can be saved in His love. There is power in Jesus alone.) (Coro) ______________ *(source) Here's a congregational rendition of this wonderful classic hymn. The words and music were written in 1905 by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel.
When I listen to this, I picture a vast sea of everyday people around the throne of Jesus; He is beaming with delight. YouTube video: "I Stand Amazed (How Marvellous)" (with lyrics) The credits for the choir and director are shown below the video ("Four-part congregational acappella singing at Franconia Mennonite Church, Telford, Pennsylvania on June 6, 1993. Singing led by Dave Cassel"). The original hymn title was "My Savior's Love." I posted this song here exactly four months ago, at the end of a blog post about parental anxiety and Jesus' faithfulness on a snowy early morning.
The song is so beautiful, and always so relevant, I thought I'd post it again. I hope it blesses you, whatever you're going through at the moment. (There may be a short ad before the video -- sorry.) YouTube video "Be Still, My Soul" Performed by the UK boys' choir Libera Lyrics by Katharine von Schlegel (1697-c.1768) Music ("Finlandia") by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) Story behind the hymn here This week's sermon on "Living Truth" ends with a reference to the song "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." Here's the story of the song as it appears on Wikipedia:* "In 1902, Adelaide A. Pollard, a hymn writer, was hoping to go to Africa as a missionary but found herself unable to raise the needed funds to make the journey. Greatly discouraged, she attended a prayer service one evening and as she sat there, she overheard an elderly woman say 'It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives.' The elderly woman inspired Pollard and she contemplated the story of the potter from Jeremiah 18:3 and, upon her return home that evening, wrote all four stanzas before retiring for the night. Five years later George Stebbins wrote a tune titled 'Adelaide' to accompany the text." (source) Here are the full lyrics:*
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Search me and try me, Master, today! Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now, As in Thy presence humbly I bow. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Wounded and weary, help me, I pray! Power, all power, surely is Thine! Touch me and heal me, Savior divine. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Hold o’er my being absolute sway! Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Last but not least, I found a YouTube video of Johnny Cash singing the song. I like the way he starts over again about 37 seconds in, because he apparently began in the wrong key. I like this not only because it's "real," but because it underscores the message of the song. YouTube video The late Johnny Cash (our brother) singing "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" These lyrics are perfect. I'm learning this song by heart this week. __________ * My apologies for citing Wikipedia rather than Wikipedia's sources. The references for the story and lyrics are listed on the Wikipedia page but are not accessible online. I heard this Christmas song for the first time several years ago, in an Anglican church. I immediately fell in love with it, particularly the very traditional English tune; the more I love the Lord Jesus, the more meaningful the lyrics become. My favorite line, "Lo, within a manger lies He who built the starry skies," speaks to me about more than a Nativity scene. It's a picture of the relationship which God in His mercy gives to those who allow Him access to their humbled hearts.
(There may be a short ad before the video -- sorry.) YouTube video "See, Amid the Winter's Snow" lyrics by Edward Caswall (1814-1878) music by John Goss (1800-1880) performed by the King's College Choir, Cambridge Lyrics and a link to the original sheet music (first one below the lyrics) here Seriously, I've never posted this here before? Well, no time like the present. This song has been going through my head all day.
(Note: There may be a short ad before the video -- sorry!) YouTube video "Jesus Paid It All" Lyrics composed by Elvina Hall (1822-1889) Music composed by John T. Grape (1835-1915) Performed by Fernando Ortega ~ Thank You, Jesus ~ Story behind the hymn here I woke up last night after only two hours of sleep, then spent the next several hours surfing the Internet trying to get tired enough to fall back to sleep. It didn't work. But in my wanderings, I came across a video that I was sure I had posted on here before. I'm not finding it now, nor anything on the credits page, so if it turns out I did post it earlier, please put it down to extreme tiredness ...and to the fact that this beautiful song bears another visit.
I have another reason for posting it. For the first time last night, I noticed someone had posted the Old Testament reference Zechariah 13:1 (KJV) under the video: In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness. This made me cry. You -- You! -- are the fountain, Jesus. Your precious body became a healing fountain for me. Here is the hymn, written by William Cowper probably in 1771 or 1772, and performed here by A Capella Christian Music. (There may be a short ad right before the YouTube video -- sorry.) YouTube video "There Is a Fountain" I've become slightly hesitant to post videos, ever since a few I posted last year suddenly disappeared from YouTube. But oh well, as long as you know that's a possibility, I'll still post them occasionally.
Here's a slow, contemplative instrumental rendition of a magnificent old hymn by Isaac Watts (1674-1748). The full original lyrics are posted below. I'm posting this simply because I'm lost in love for my Savior, and want to thank Him once again. Here, Lord, I give myself away; 'tis all that I can do. YouTube video "Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed?" Lyrics* Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed? Alas! and did my Savior bleed? And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I? Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, thine, And bathed in its own blood, While all exposed to wrath divine The glorious Suff'rer stood! Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree! Well might the sun in darkness hide, And shut His glories in, When God, the mighty Maker, died For man, the creature's sin. Thus might I hide my blushing face, While His dear cross appears; Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, And melt my eyes to tears. But drops of grief can ne'er repay The debt of love I owe; Here, Lord, I give myself away; 'Tis all that I can do. * Lyrics source Other notes on the song: -- The second stanza is not included in modern hymnals; I can understand why. Although this is what happened, and there's no way to candy-coat it. -- In modern hymnals, the last line of the first stanza reads "For sinners such as I." -- In the nineteenth century, a refrain ("At the Cross") was added by Ralph Hudson. This is one of my all-time favorite hymns. It appears in a little black leather hymnal that once belonged to my maternal great-grandmother, whom I never met. She lived on a farm in East Central Ontario around the turn of the 20th century, and became widowed when my grandmother was thirteen. She managed to keep things going with the help of her children, but it was a struggle. From what I've been told, she had a deep faith in God.
During a turbulent period of my own life several years ago, and before I had found my way fully back to the Lord, I used to flip through that hymnal, singing every hymn whose tune I could still remember. This hymn nearly always made me cry. YouTube video "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" Written by Robert Robinson (1735-1790) Performed by Lindsy Morton and Joseph Schlegel The story and full lyrics of the hymn can be found here. (Sorry, I couldn't locate any information about the performers.) I have nothing to add to this, in any sense:
YouTube video "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" performed by All Sons & Daughters written by Robert Lowry (1876) Full lyrics:* What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain: Oh! precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. For my pardon, this I see, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; For my cleansing this my plea, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Now by this I’ll overcome-- Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Now by this I’ll reach my home-- Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Glory! Glory! This I sing-- Nothing but the blood of Jesus, All my praise for this I bring-- Nothing but the blood of Jesus. *source Following up on the thoughts I posted yesterday about keeping it real, here are two songs that speak about human brokenness and, more importantly, about the Saviour who can transform that brokenness. Not all beauty is sweet and light. Some comes with a price. The very deepest beauty of all comes with the greatest price ever paid.
YouTube video "Brokenness Aside" and YouTube video "All the Poor and Powerless" performed by All Sons & Daughters words and music by Leslie Jordan and David Leonard (All Sons & Daughters) Lyrics* "Brokenness Aside" Will your grace run out If I let you down Cause all I know Is how to run Chorus: I am a sinner If its not one thing its another Caught up in words Tangled in lies You are a savior And you take brokenness aside And make it beautiful Beautiful Will you call me child When I tell you lies Cause all I know Is how to cry You make it beautiful You make it beautiful _____________________ “All the Poor and Powerless” All the poor and powerless And all the lost and lonely All the thieves will come confess And know that you are holy Will know that you are holy Chorus: All will sing out Hallelujah And we will cry out Hallelujah All the hearts who are content And all who feel unworthy All who hurt with nothing left Will know that you are holy (Chorus) Shout it Go on scream it from the mountains Go on and tell it to the masses That He is God All the poor and powerless And all the lost and lonely All the thieves will come confess And know that you are holy Will know that you are holy (Chorus) All will sing out Hallelujah And we will cry out Hallelujah All the hearts who are content And all who feel unworthy All who hurt with nothing left Will know that you are holy (Chorus) Shout it Go on scream it from the mountains Go on and tell it to the masses That He is God We will sing out Hallelujah We will cry out Hallelujah We will sing out Hallelujah, God *source Lyrics to both songs © 2011 Integrity's Praise I'm trapped in yet another project that doesn't want to let go, so once again here's a beautiful praise-filled musical interlude from Phil Wickham -- "Heaven Song" and "Holy, Holy, Holy" (probably not the one you're thinking of):
YouTube videos "Heaven Song" and "Holy, Holy, Holy" both songs performed and written by Phil Wickham "Heaven Song" lyrics* You wrote a letter and You signed Your name I read ever word of it page by page You said that You’d be coming Coming for me soon Oh my God I’ll be ready for You I want to run on greener pastures I want to dance on higher hills I want to drink from sweeter waters In the misty morning chill And my soul is getting restless For the place where I belong I can’t wait to join the angels and sing my heaven song I hear Your voice and I catch my breath Well done my child enter in, in rest As tears of joy roll down my cheek It’s beautiful beyond my wildest dreams I want to run on greener pastures I want to dance on higher hills I want to drink from sweeter waters In the misty morning chill And my soul is getting restless For the place where I belong I can’t wait to join the angels and sing I want to run on greener pastures I want to dance on higher hills I want to drink from sweeter waters In the misty morning chill And my soul is getting restless For the place where I belong I can’t wait to join the angels and sing Oh I can’t wait to join the angels and sing my heaven song *source "Holy, Holy, Holy" lyrics* Lightning breaks around Your throne Streams of glory bursting from Your robe You are the God in heaven Voices sing Your endless praise All who see You bow for countless days You are the God in heaven Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord, God almighty Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb The only One who was and is and will come Fire burns inside Your eyes Unseen colors circle in the sky You are the God in heaven Everything Your hand has saved Gathers here to sing Your endless praise You are the God in heaven Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord, God almighty Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb, the King of Glory Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord, God almighty Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb, The only One who was and is and will come Who was and is and will come to us *source No words -- just this:
YouTube video "It Is Well with My Soul" performed by Phil Wickham lyrics written by Horatio Spafford music by Philip Bliss (closing line is from "You're Beautiful" by Phil Wickham) Full lyrics*: When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain: It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul), It is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. (Refrain) My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain) For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. (Refrain) And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain) * source (including the story behind the hymn) |
All thy sins were laid upon Him, Jesus bore them on the tree;
God, who knew them, laid them on Him, and, believing, thou art free. Joseph Denham Smith (c. 1817-1889) Praise reflection archives
May 2020
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...take root downward and bear fruit upward.
2 Kings 19:30 |